Ty Bouaphakeo has played plenty of football in his high school career. The Bennington senior first saw the field in 2024, then blossomed as a junior, and he enters this fall as the state’s leading 11-man returner in passing yards and touchdowns.
Bennington finished 2024 at 11-2 and went 9-3 last fall with Bouaphakeo leading the charge. The Badgers return much of their 2025 squad, too, especially on offense.
However, the 2026 season will feature a different look and a new challenge, as Bennington has moved up to Class A. It’s a two-year opportunity, but it’s one the Badgers want to make the most of.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Bouaphakeo said. “Competing against the better kids and better teams.”
Bouaphakeo and the No. 6 Badgers started their Class A era on the right foot, as Bennington earned a 42-13 win at Elkhorn North.
The Morningside commit threw for 60 yards in Week 1, but he was especially dynamic on the ground, rushing for 139 and finding the end zone twice.
“You saw what he was able to do,” said Bennington head coach Kam Lenhart. “When scrimmages happen and we’re in the fall camp, the whistle always gets blown pretty early, so you never really see what his feet can do. But they showed. He made big plays when moments needed it, and he’s special.”
“He’s just dynamic,” added senior Will Gutz, who had three rushing scores in the win. “He understands the game. He can run, he can throw, and he’s just one of those guys where if you need something to happen, you give him the ball.”
Bennington’s Ty Bouaphakeo (12) runs the ball against Elkhorn North Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. Photo by Jackson D. Luethje.
Bouaphakeo earned those 139 rushing yards on 17 carries. He finished 2024 with 194 yards on 69 carries and racked up 911 yards on 159 totes last fall, giving him 1,224 rushing yards through 24 career games. He’s paired that with 2,661 yards through the air — 2,439 of which came last season.
Bouaphakeo compared his style is similar to Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, and he’s only continued to grow over the years.
“In terms of the game itself, from junior year to senior year, the way he reads the defense in terms of the pass game has vastly improved,” Lenhart said. “His run game is always going to be at a top level. Leadership-wise, he’s always had that ability to lead, but this year it’s just different. Kids listen to him and when he says something, everyone’s listening. And that’s where we need him to be.”
Bouaphakeo is fully aware of that responsibility, and the leadership component is something he embraces.
From his presence in the pocket to his presence on the sideline or in the locker room, it’s no secret what he means to Bennington’s program.
“He’s the bread and butter (of our team) and he’s what keeps us together,” Gutz said. “He’s the quarterback, and that’s what everyone looks for in terms of leadership, and I think he does a great job stepping up into that role.”
Gutz and Bouaphakeo are two of the 24 seniors on Bennington’s 2026 roster, many of whom grew up playing together. Bouaphakeo is hoping to finish his high school career on a high note, doing so alongside a “special group.”
“I just want to make the most of it with my friends and playing with the kids I grew up with,” he said. “I look forward to competing on the field and getting better every day.”
The quarterback has high hopes for the group, too.
“You can expect a lot,” Bouaphakeo said of his 2026 expectations. “We’re hungry and we’re coming for Class A.”
Bouaphakeo and the Badgers head to Millard West in Week 2, followed by their home opener against Columbus on Sept. 11. Stay tuned to Hurrdat Sports throughout the fall for more high school coverage.
